Interview with Stephanie Koziol (APA ID – Student Representative from University of Idaho)
“Looking to the future, I envision APA Idaho as a platform that brings together all stakeholders involved in the planning process, not just those with “Planner” in their job titles.”
Stephanie Koziol
*This interview was conducted by Zane Cooper (APA ID Communications and Outreach Intern 2022-2023)
Zane
How did you first become involved with APA Idaho, and what motivated you to become a student representative for the organization?
Stephanie
I got interested in city planning and development when a housing crisis hit my hometown of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 2021. While studying at the University of Idaho, I was looking for ways to get involved in the field and discovered APA Idaho through personal research. I reached out to Hilary Patterson, the president of the Idaho chapter, to see how to get involved. She let me know that the University of Idaho Student Representative position was available, and I applied for it and was inducted in March of 2022. Throughout this process, I was touched by the openness and willingness of all APA members. Everyone was so willing to help me get my feet wet and teach me the ins and outs of the profession. The warm welcome I received confirmed my desire to be a part of this community.
Zane
What have been some of the most valuable experiences you’ve had while serving as a student representative for APA Idaho?
Stephanie
I am so grateful for the different experiences and opportunities that APA Idaho has afforded me. My favorite memory was collaborating with regional representatives and fellow board members on the recruitment and outreach program. The process of developing posters, flyers, and digital outreach content was very rewarding, especially when I was able to see my work come to fruition at the 2022 Annual Conference in Garden City, Idaho. Being a part of APA Idaho has also opened up research opportunities for me, allowing me to learn about different organizations and panels throughout the state of Idaho. Through APA Idaho, I learned about the research of Jaap Vos on interstate migration into Idaho and collaborated with him on related research. Connecting with planners, engineers, and other students in the field exposed me to the many factions of the planning field.
Zane
How has your involvement with APA Idaho influenced your understanding of the planning profession, and what have you learned from your interactions with other planning professionals and students?
Stephanie
Through my involvement in the association, I have learned what a collaborative space in the planning field is. Urban planning is such a collaborative field because it involves working with community members, government officials, architects, developers, and other professionals, to design and manage urban spaces. Through my work on the board, I have seen that collaboration is essential in urban planning, as it involved public and private entities and community members.
Zane
What do you think are the biggest benefits of being a member of APA Idaho as a student interested in planning, and how has the organization supported your academic and professional goals?
Stephanie
One of the most significant advantages of my involvement with APA Idaho has been the connections that the organization has facilitated for me. Given my background in Management and Information Systems rather than planning, I have relied heavily on APA meetings and interactions with fellow members to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. Through my participation in APA, I have acquired valuable experience and access to networking opportunities that have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. In fact, it was through these connections that I was inspired to pursue a graduate degree in planning and development. As a result of my efforts and the support of APA Idaho, I was accepted into Cornell University to continue my studies in planning and development.
Zane
What advice would you give to other planning students who are interested in becoming involved with APA Idaho or other professional organizations?
Stephanie
The level of benefit you receive from APA Idaho (or any professional association) is proportional to the level of effort and contribution you put into it. There will always be work and opportunities related to what you have an interest in, whether that is research, leadership, or advocacy. Reach out to the board members and representatives to learn more and discuss interests- there will always be an area where your efforts will be needed and appreciated.
Zane
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of APA Idaho and the planning profession in Idaho, and how do you see yourself contributing to those goals, if at all?
Stephanie
Looking to the future, I envision APA Idaho as a platform that brings together all stakeholders involved in the planning process, not just those with “Planner” in their job titles. As an interdisciplinary field, urban planning has a significant impact on every individual in society on a daily basis. Therefore, the more perspectives and professions that collaborate, the better equipped we will be to tackle the complex planning issues facing Idaho and beyond. As I pursue my graduate education, specializing in geographical information systems and urban systems, I am excited to contribute to the planning profession. My ultimate goal is to address critical issues I have seen in Idaho, such as affordable housing, growth management, and environmental sustainability, and to further enhance the value of planning in society.
Interview with Nathaniel Campbell (APA ID – Student Representative from Boise State University)
“Planners are some of the most outgoing and supportive people I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside, so use your resources and show eagerness and willingness to learn.”
Nathaniel Campbell
*This interview was conducted by Zane Cooper (APA ID Communications and Outreach Intern 2022-2023)
Zane
How did you first become involved with APA Idaho, and what motivated your to become a student representative for the organization?
Nathaniel
I originally saw the opportunity to become involved with APA Idaho in the fall of 2021 when there was an opening for Boise State University’s student representative to the organization. As an Urban Studies and Community Development student, I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity to become more engrained within the planning community by meeting people located throughout all parts of Idaho, but also would provide me the opportunity to contribute positively to Boise State’s involvement in various efforts.
Zane
What have been some of the most valuable experiences you’ve had while serving as a student representative for APA Idaho?
Nathaniel
Having the opportunity to help APA Idaho plan its annual conference in Garden City was an absolute pleasure and something that I enjoyed greatly. Additionally, working with planners in all kinds of disciplines has widened my horizons and given me exposure to different facets of the field.
Zane
How has your involvement with APA Idaho influenced your understanding of the planning profession, and what have you learned from your interactions with other planning professionals and students?
Nathaniel
My understanding of planning has shifted to become more diverse and adaptable as a result of my work with APA Idaho. Learning from both professionals and students, I have come to understand how these perspectives change how different parts of planning impact various realities.
Zane
What do you think are the biggest benefits of being a member of APA Idaho as a student interested in planning, and how has the organization supported your academic and professional goals?
Nathaniel
Networking is a huge benefit for APA Idaho. As a student, it is hugely valuable to have the ability to talk and learn more from people across Idaho, all of whom have different experiences in the industry and in different regards.
Zane
What advice would you give to other planning students who are interested in becoming involved with APA Idaho or other professional organizations?
Nathaniel
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Planners are some of the most outgoing and supportive people I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside, so use your resources and show eagerness and willingness to learn.
Zane
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of APA Idaho and the planning profession in Idaho, and how do you see yourself contributing to those goals, if at all?
Nathaniel
I’d love to see more collaboration with other states. The West is a great place to collaborate with various APA organizations, but different parts of the US can contribute differently to Idaho’s own efforts and struggles with growth. Moving forward, my hope would be to use my own future connections to keep people in touch with APA Idaho.